PC enthusiasts were limited to buying more giant fans for their custom build in the past. However, that’s no longer necessary with advancements in technology and the rise of smaller case designs. The best computer case fan reviews will provide you with a better understanding of which type is right for your system.
When purchasing the most OK PC case fans, please take the following aspects in mind to guarantee that they will not only fit within your system but will also keep it cool enough.
Is it better to have Fans with Static Pressure or Fans that move the air?
It would help if you thought about whether you want a fan with high static pressure or increased airflow. The exact geometry of the fan blades determines this. Yes, it is correct. You may obtain a fan with the same design and model but different fan blades.
You don’t need to look at the spec sheet to determine if the fan is a Static Pressure or an Airflow kind.
Turn on the fan and examine the distance between the fan blades. It’s a Static Pressure kind if the space between the blades is short. It’s an Airflow fan if the gap between the blades is big enough for your index finger to pass through.
Fans that move the air
If there are no obstructions in front or behind the fan, this works best. For example, if you have a case with a lot of open space, these fans should help you get better ventilation.
Fans with a Static Pressure
Fans with Static Pressure disperse air more evenly. This means they are not as powerful in a direct line, but they can do an excellent job with obstructions such as components and radiators.
What Does CFM Stand For? (Cubic Feet per Minute)
So, what exactly is CFM? The airflow of a fan is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). This determines the amount of air the fan can move in a minute.
The greater the CFM rating, in general, the better. On the other hand, static pressure might be more efficient with less CFM when dealing with hardware impediments.
Because there are so many variables to consider, the appropriate CFM for a computer might vary from instance to case. For example, case size, design, the quantity of heat your CPU generates, the kind of CPU cooler you have, the GPU fans (whether open-air or blower), and the number of case fans you can add are considered.
Size (mm)
What’s the point of having more fans? It’s relatively straightforward: they physically move more air.
Check your case manual if you’re unsure which size suits your case. You may also look up the size and specifications of your claim on the manufacturer’s website. If all else fails, measure the fan inside your case using a measuring tape.
Some of the most popular fan sizes, as well as the distance between their screw holes, are listed below:
Effortlessness (RPMs)
RPM is a unit of measurement for the speed of a fan (Revolutions Per Minute). More air is drawn into the system as the RPM rises. Because the quicker a fan spins, the more noise it makes, RPMs directly impact its noise level.
This may have an impact on the size of the fan you choose. While a tiny fan at high speed may be possible, it will undoubtedly be noisier. As a result, a bigger fan at a slower pace may be used instead.
To acquire the proper RPM for your setup, use 3rd party software like SpeedFan to set the fans to maximum speeds and then reduce the rate by 25% till the fan isn’t too loud and the temps are acceptable.
Type of Bearing
There is three basic Types of Bearings used in most case fans today and they are as follows:
- Bearing Sleeves
- Bearings with two balls
- Fluid Dynamic Bearing and Hydrodynamic Bearing are two types of bearings. are two types of approaches.
Bearing Sleeves
At 60°C (140°F), this kind of bearing is the cheapest and is predicted to endure roughly 40,000 hours of use.
The fan speed has been intended to be low-maintenance and quiet while in operation. Therefore, these fans should be positioned vertically since this is supposed to make them quieter.
However, it should be noted that despite their minimal running noise, devices tend to break down without notice.
Bearings with two balls
The Bearings with two balls are more expensive than Bearing Sleeveless, but they do last longer; up to 60,000 to 75,000 hours run at 60°C (140°F).
Unlike Bearing Sleeveless, these can be mounted in any position and are also louder. This is why it’s not recommended for home usage but is perfect for server farms.
Fluid Dynamic Bearing and Hydrodynamic Bearing are two types of bearings. Are two types of approaches.
These are the top-of-the-line bearings. As a result, they have the most excellent lifespan, lasting up to 100,000 to 300,000 hours when operated at 60°C (140°F).
Like the Bearings with two balls, they can be fitted in any position. They also have the lowest noise levels of the three and are fit for both server and home usage – though they are preferred mostly for home use since they are a little more pricey.
Make a lot of noise (dBA)
The decibel level is measured in A-weighted decibels (dBA). Therefore, we can quantify how loud a sound is to the human ear using A-weighted decibels. Almost all case fan manufacturers list the fan’s noise level.
The following are some of the elements that contribute to fan noise:
- The bearing type that was utilized
- The distance between the blades as well as the outer ring
- The design of the blades
- The number of revolutions per minute (RPMs) that the blades rotate at.
It typically falls between 10 and 36 decibels. You’ll want a case fan that makes the least amount of noise for apparent reasons. The following is a scale of how loud certain noises are in comparison to commonplace sounds:
Connectors for Power
There are three types of fan Connectors for Power:
- With 4-pin connections, you may use third-party software like SpeedFan to operate the fan on-the-fly.
- Only the voltage in the BIOS may be changed for 3-pin connections. However, this function is not available on all motherboards.
Low-voltage use of the 3-pin connections may cause issues or result in the fan not operating. As a result, be sure you understand precisely what you’re doing.
- MOLEX connections will always operate at maximum speed and cannot be changed.
Compatibility is affected by connection kinds; thus, verify your motherboard’s connector type before buying.
Aesthetics
Color rings or RGB lights may be added to case fans to enhance the appearance of your PC. When it comes to fans, we like to prioritize functionality since it will extend the life of your system.
Intake/Exhaust
It would be best to decide whether each fan will be an intake or exhaust fan when installing fans into your case.
Ideally, you should have at least one intake and one exhaust, but don’t worry about the ratio.
The following are some words to be acquainted with:
- Equal amounts of air enter and exit the enclosure at neutral air pressure. Technically, you’ll never achieve complete balance, but you can come close.
- Fans suck more air into the casing when there is positive air pressure. This may result in air being drawn in via tiny apertures that lack filters or fans. This implies that dust will accumulate in unexpected areas.
- Negative air pressure occurs when fans force more air out of the casing, thus producing a vacuum.
You’d like neutral air pressure, and monitoring the total CFM of all intake fans and the total CFM of all exhaust fans is a solid approach to correct this.
If the intake CFM is higher, the air pressure is positive; if the exhaust CFM is taller, the air pressure is negative. You have nearly neutral air pressure if you have an equal amount of CFM. It’s worth noting that if a fan is blocked, it won’t be able to produce its maximum CFM.
It’s also worth mentioning that figuring out where to put the fans may be difficult. As a result, it’s a good idea to pay attention to where the bulk of your dust accumulates. If you think it’s giving you trouble, you may modify your fan’s position.
The following section may assist if you’re not sure whether your fans are blowing in or out.
Determining the Fan’s Air Flow.
It’s also critical to know which way the air is flowing when installing case fans. As a guide, most fans feature arrows on the sides. If yours doesn’t, look for the grille side (the side with the plastic securing the center hub) since air is blasted out of this side most of the time.
Conclusion
After learning all of these terms, how can you pick the best case fan for your rig? First, you should consider the following:
Know what you desire and what you need. Make a preliminary assessment of your requirements and prioritize your PC, reallFor example, areas. Are you experiencing issues with a particular region or looking for a good case fan to use as a preventative measure?
Don’t forget to verify the connection type on your computer. To prevent compatibility issues, double-check the available connections on your motherboard before buying.
Calculate the sizes. To find out the precise size and quantity of suitable fans, look in your case manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
Is there going to be a lot of noise? If you need a quiet case fan, look for one that produces the slightest noise. If noise isn’t a problem, you’ll probably be able to locate one that isn’t relatively as quiet but still works well for a lower price.
What method do you wish to use to regulate your fan? If you want to control the fan speeds on the fly using third-party software, choose a fan with a 4-pin connection. Otherwise, 3-pin fans will care enough for the majority of users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best 140 mm case fans?
A: The best 140 mm case fans offer the most airflow while maintaining a low noise profile. Some of our top picks include the Cooler Master Waker F120 and Corsair ML140.
What are 80mm fans for?
A: 80mm fans are used for cooling computer systems. They can be found in desktops, laptops, and many other electronic devices where heat is a concern.
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